The first edition of Shaping Seattle Architecture, published in 1994,
introduced readers to Seattle's architects by showcasing the work of
those who were instrumental in creating the region's built environment.
Twenty years later, the second edition updates and expands the original
with new information and illustrations that provide an even richer
exploration of Seattle architecture.
The book begins with a revised introduction that brings the story of
Seattle architecture into the twenty-first century and situates
developments in Seattle building design within local and global
contexts. The book's fifty-four essays present richly illustrated
profiles that describe the architects' careers, provide an overview of
their major works, and explore their significance.
Shaping Seattle Architecture celebrates a wide range of people who
helped form the region's built environment. It provides updated
information about many of the architects and firms profiled in the first
edition. Four individuals newly included in this second edition are
Edwin J. Ivey, a leading residential designer; Fred Bassetti, an
important contributor to Northwest regional modernism; L. Jane Hastings,
one of the region's foremost women in architecture; and Richard Haag,
founder of the landscape architecture program at the University of
Washington and designer of Gas Works Park and the Bloedel Reserve.
The book also includes essays on the buildings of the Coast Salish
people, who inhabited Puget Sound prior to Euro-American settlement; the
role that architects played in speculative housing developments before
and after World War II; and the vernacular architecture built by
nonprofessionals that makes up a portion of the fabric of the city.
Shaping Seattle Architecture concludes with a substantial reference
section, updated to reflect the last twenty years of research and
publications. A locations appendix offers a geographic guide to
surviving works. The research section directs interested readers to
further resources, and the appendix "Additional Significant Seattle
Architects" provides thumbnail sketches of nearly 250 important figures
not included in the main text.
